Day: October 11, 2022

Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Symposium Kicks-off In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

OVER 20 African countries are gathered in the resort town of Victoria Falls to deliberate on issues around access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for young people with the aim of finding a lasting solution to teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and HIV infections in East and Southern Africa. By Michael Gwarisa in Victoria Falls The three day regional symposium which will run up to Thursday, October 13, 2022  has been organized by the  UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO under the banner of the Joint UN Regional 2gether 4…

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Zim medicines regulator intensifies surveillance of ‘child killer’ cold and cough syrups

Kuda Pembere

Zimbabwe’s medicines and medical devices regulator the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) says it is stepping up its surveillance of four medical products which killed 69 children in Gambia. By Kudakwashe Pembere While chances are slim that the cough and cold syrups might have found their way into the country, the Authority states they may have unprocedurally found their way in Zimbabwe. In a statement, MCAZ Acting Director General Mr Richard Rukwata notified health professionals in the public of the existence of the lethal medical products. “The Medicines Control…

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Shortage of mental health medication in public hospitals

Kuda Pembere

Persons with lived mental health experiences have bemoaned the shortage of their medication in public health institutions which is forcing them to cough up more money at private community pharmacies. By Kudakwashe Pembere Mrs Angela Mkorongo, a person with lived experiences who is also a mental health advocate said this on the sidelines of the World Mental Health Day Commemorations held on Monday. She said she ended up footing the bill for her friend who couldn’t access the medication at public mental health institutions. “Some of our colleagues are failing…

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Zim Govt recalls Purity Essential Baby Powder

Kuda Pembere

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has ordered the removal of Purity Essential Baby Powder from shops following a discovery that the product had a cancer-causing substance. By Kudakwashe Pembere This product is being recalled by its manufacturer Tiger Brands in South Africa after finding it contained impermissible levels of asbestos. “Tiger Brands of South Africa is recalling the Purity Essential Baby Powder from shops. The products contain unacceptable levels of asbestos which causes rare cancer called mesothelioma. The traces were recently detected in test samples prompting the recall…

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Zim commemorates World Mental Health Day

Kuda Pembere

Zimbabwe on Monday commemorated the World Mental Health Day which was held under the theme “Making Mental Health a Global Priority”. By Kudakwashe Pembere This year’s celebrations saw presentations from experts, and what are now known as Persons with Lived Experiences formerly, Mental Health Users. Presentations were about Bipolar Disorder, Obbessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, trauma, and substance abuse, a menace in the nation. Officiating the commemorations, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro said it was important to recognise the high demand of mental health services across the…

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